Misting with Cold Air Humidifier

[broderp]

Will it work? I'm building up a new terrarium and am incorporating a lot of live plants.

Drinking opportunity for my Cham aside, can a humidifier be used effectively in place of misting? Misting is great for the plants but can the same be accomplished with a humidifier?

My goal here is to kill two birds with one stone,

• maintain a varying humidity for a Cham,
• help with watering the plants

I don't have a lot of space to do both and I don't have a mister. I'm trying to keep my setup simple.

 

[JohnnyLawrence]

What type of Chameleon are you housing? Are you using a screened cage?

 

[Decadancin]

Most of the time a humidifier will not allow enough moisture to form droplets of water on the leaves and this can be a major source of drinking. It can help with the humidity levels. I think if I had to use one over the other I would pick the misting system but it could depend on the enclosure and the type of chameleon.

 

[Virgil1972]

I would get a mister. If your having trouble keeping the humidity up with the mister then get a humidifier. Since you don't have a lot of space by the cage just have the humidifier in the room. I have a humidifier from walmart to help in winter. I don't have any tubes or anything, the humidifier is kept about 3 feet away and it helps out enough to keep my cage humidity between 60 and 70 percent.

 

[JohnnyLawrence]

Most of the time a humidifier will not allow enough moisture to form droplets of water on the leaves and this can be a major source of drinking. It can help with the humidity levels. I think if I had to use one over the other I would pick the misting system but it could depend on the enclosure and the type of chameleon.

What this Staff Member, who likes to troll my posts, incorrectly told you was to use a COLD humidifier on your set up. NEVER use a COLD humidifier on your cage. It could be way too much "consistent" humidity and the "cold" air will do damage to your Chameleon's respiratory system and ability to properly thermoregulate. You can use a warm humidifier for assisting with shedding, but remove it after. Otherwise, you need to simply increase misting and use media that will absorb the moisture and allow for timed evaporation. If you need specifics, let me know.

 

[Decadancin]

What this Staff Member, who likes to troll my posts, incorrectly told you was to use a COLD humidifier on your set up.

I have never advised the use of ANY humidifier in any set up. You may want to re-read what I said.

 

[alphakenc]

Trolling is such an ugly word,monitored will be a better word to replace that.,he is just doing his job,and he is done it wonderfully!!!

 

[RcManChild]

@broderp
Since you are using a glass enclosure and misting. A humidifier into the terrarium might create too much humidity.

If you wish to rely solely on the humidifier as a means of humidity I would advise against this and use the money towards a mist king.

 

[Chris Anderson]

What this Staff Member, who likes to troll my posts, incorrectly told you was to use a COLD humidifier on your set up. NEVER use a COLD humidifier on your cage. It could be way too much "consistent" humidity and the "cold" air will do damage to your Chameleon's respiratory system and ability to properly thermoregulate. You can use a warm humidifier for assisting with shedding, but remove it after. Otherwise, you need to simply increase misting and use media that will absorb the moisture and allow for timed evaporation. If you need specifics, let me know.

In addition to this post being a violation of site rules and the TOS, it is also simply incorrect. Cool mist humidifiers are commonly used for chameleon enclosures without any problem, and in many ways are advantageous over steam and other warm air humidifiers. As long as it is properly maintained, appropriate airflow is provided, the humidity is allowed to vary throughout the day with periods of higher and lower humidity, and a basking spot is provided, there is nothing about the cool, humid air they produce that will damage the chameleon's respiratory system or inhibit their ability to properly thermoregulate. In fact, it may aid in reducing the loss of hydration and need for regular, long duration misting cycles. Here is an article that may be helpful on the use of humidifiers in chameleon enclosures: http://www.chameleonnews.com/05OctRouthouska.html

Chris

 

[JohnnyLawrence]

In addition to this post being a violation of site rules and the TOS, it is also simply incorrect. Cool mist humidifiers are commonly used for chameleon enclosures without any problem, and in many ways are advantageous over steam and other warm air humidifiers. As long as it is properly maintained, appropriate airflow is provided, the humidity is allowed to vary throughout the day with periods of higher and lower humidity, and a basking spot is provided, there is nothing about the cool, humid air they produce that will damage the chameleon's respiratory system or inhibit their ability to properly thermoregulate. In fact, it may aid in reducing the loss of hydration and need for regular, long duration misting cycles. Here is an article that may be helpful on the use of humidifiers in chameleon enclosures: http://www.chameleonnews.com/05OctRouthouska.html

Chris

Yes, Chris the "Staff Member" (staff member of an online forum?), I mean TROLL, continues to jump around and find my posts so he can hawk his own site and info, which funnily enough contradicts his own advice. This is from the exact same article he's passing off as good advice " The steam types may be a good choice for folks up north but they will cost more." Yah, well most of these pet owners are in colder environments buddy. And it's always best for most species to go a bit warmer than colder. You have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[Chris Anderson]

Yes, Chris the "Staff Member" (staff member of an online forum?), I mean TROLL, continues to jump around and find my posts so he can hawk his own site and info, which funnily enough contradicts his own advice. This is from the exact same article he's passing off as good advice " The steam types may be a good choice for folks up north but they will cost more." Yah, well most of these pet owners are in colder environments buddy. And it's always best for most species to go a bit warmer than colder. You have no idea what you're talking about.

Yes, your behavior recently has necessitated that your posts be reviewed because you have been repeatedly violating site rules. This has resulted in my becoming aware of multiple cases of you giving out poor advise while attempting to chastise others for the same misdeed. It has also resulted in personal messages warning you that your behavior will result in your access to the site being revoked if you keep it up, and being told to start treating other members of the community, and the site staff, with common courtesy. The level of disrespect and arrogance you have shown over the last two days is astounding coming from someone who hatched their first chameleon 6 months ago. Your experience is slim and even if it were half as extensive as the members who you have taken to insulting in the last few days, it would not justify your behavior. Knock it off!

As for your misrepresentation of the article I posted, the complete text you misquoted states:

"Your best bet would to probably use either an ultrasonic or cool mist humidifier. The evaporative types will work I guess but they don't create the visible mist which is typically desired. Most of the evaporative type humidifiers don't have a suitable port for PVC/hose either. The steam types may be a good choice for folks up north but they will cost more. For my environment, 90% of the time I am going to want cool mist flowing into the enclosures. Also keep in mind that any heated mist will promote bacteria/fungus faster then cool mist."

The author of that article lived in upstate NY. Pretty cold up there, yet he recommended ultrasonic or cool mist humidifier. Doesn't quite fit with your narrative though...

Now, if you'd like to be a respectful, contributing member of this forum, you're welcome to do so. If you're going to continue with your current behavior, however, you can take a hike.

Chris

 

[JohnnyLawrence]

Yes, your behavior recently has necessitated that your posts be reviewed because you have been repeatedly violating site rules. This has resulted in my becoming aware of multiple cases of you giving out poor advise while attempting to chastise others for the same misdeed. It has also resulted in personal messages warning you that your behavior will result in your access to the site being revoked if you keep it up, and being told to start treating other members of the community, and the site staff, with common courtesy. The level of disrespect and arrogance you have shown over the last two days is astounding coming from someone who hatched their first chameleon 6 months ago. Your experience is slim and even if it were half as extensive as the members who you have taken to insulting in the last few days, it would not justify your behavior. Knock it off!

As for your misrepresentation of the article I posted, the complete text you misquoted states:

"Your best bet would to probably use either an ultrasonic or cool mist humidifier. The evaporative types will work I guess but they don't create the visible mist which is typically desired. Most of the evaporative type humidifiers don't have a suitable port for PVC/hose either. The steam types may be a good choice for folks up north but they will cost more. For my environment, 90% of the time I am going to want cool mist flowing into the enclosures. Also keep in mind that any heated mist will promote bacteria/fungus faster then cool mist."

The author of that article lived in upstate NY. Pretty cold up there, yet he recommended ultrasonic or cool mist humidifier. Doesn't quite fit with your narrative though...

Now, if you'd like to be a respectful, contributing member of this forum, you're welcome to do so. If you're going to continue with your current behavior, however, you can take a hike.

Chris

For that SPECIFIC individual, he prefers the cool mist option 90% of the time. You including the whole quote doesn't invalidate the part I included. What is his environment and what species is he keeping. Meaning, what's the ambient temp in his facility? Is he using it during the winters? How long is he leaving the mister on and what size enclosure. My point, which you've gone into a rage trying to negate, is that 95% of the people on this forum are looking for basic advice and may use a cool humidifier inappropriately. This is why I was trying to point the individual towards using a warm mister (i've used both myself just fine) because I think with a screen cage, the room for error is larger. Also, the warm-humidifiers sold at retail stores aren't that warm...which is what I was recommending.

 

[Chris Anderson]

For that SPECIFIC individual, he prefers the cool mist option 90% of the time. You including the whole quote doesn't invalidate the part I included. What is his environment and what species is he keeping. Meaning, what's the ambient temp in his facility? Is he using it during the winters? How long is he leaving the mister on and what size enclosure. My point, which you've gone into a rage trying to negate, is that 95% of the people on this forum are looking for basic advice and may use a cool humidifier inappropriately. This is why I was trying to point the individual towards using a warm mister (i've used both myself just fine) because I think with a screen cage, the room for error is larger. Also, the warm-humidifiers sold at retail stores aren't that warm...which is what I was recommending.

You are the only one who has gone in to a rage about anything. The fact of the matter is, you are simply incorrect in your statements that cool mist humidifiers should never be used, cause damage to chameleons, or that they negatively effect thermoregulation. The article I referenced is from someone using them in the same environments that the vast majority of keepers and people on these forums will relate to. It provides very thorough and accurate information about their use, which we can't say about the posts you've made on the topic.

Chris

 

[JohnnyLawrence]

You are the only one who has gone in to a rage about anything. The fact of the matter is, you are simply incorrect in your statements that cool mist humidifiers should never be used, cause damage to chameleons, or that they negatively effect thermoregulation. The article I referenced is from someone using them in the same environments that the vast majority of keepers and people on these forums will relate to. It provides very thorough and accurate information about their use, which we can't say about the posts you've made on the topic.

Chris

Chris - if your correct, which you aren't, then cool-mist humidifiers would be commercially-available for reptiles (which they aren't). Humidifiers are room-temp, which is best. This is simply this particular keepers opinion and he/she feels it works best for them in their conditions. Doesn't make it right. And yes, cool-mist humidifiers when improperly placed, such as right on their basking spot, will damage their ability to heat-up and can increase their risk of lung infection. Also, saying I violate this "forum's policies" while violating them yourself in the exact same manner just proves you're the one going into a "rage" here.

 

[Chris Anderson]

Chris - if your correct, which you aren't, then cool-mist humidifiers would be commercially-available for reptiles (which they aren't). Humidifiers are room-temp, which is best. This is simply this particular keepers opinion and he/she feels it works best for them in their conditions. Doesn't make it right. And yes, cool-mist humidifiers when improperly placed, such as right on their basking spot, will damage their ability to heat-up and can increase their risk of lung infection. Also, saying I violate this "forum's policies" while violating them yourself in the exact same manner just proves you're the one going into a "rage" here.

They are commercially available for reptiles: https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptile-Terrarium-Humidifier/dp/B0019IJXD2 Further, of humidifiers used by chameleon keepers, the vast majority are cool mist and ultrasonic types, and they are used very effectively. Any piece of equipment can be used incorrectly, including screen cages, glass terrariums, UVB lighting, etc., but that does not mean they are dangerous when used properly. The issue with foggers in general is keeping them clean, which is why they tend to not be widely recommended, just like waterfalls. Sorry, but your advise and post was filled with the exact same inaccuracies that you falsely accused Decadancin of. As for your suggestion that I'm in violation of the rules, my posts have given you more leeway then you deserved given your behavior over the last couple days. I will happily remove all your posts baselessly attacking people and any subsequent replies, and ban you if you prefer I take that route over engaging you and giving you a chance to clean up your act? You're 1 warning away from a 3-day time out, so just say the word.

Chris

 

[JohnnyLawrence]

They are commercially available for reptiles: https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptile-Terrarium-Humidifier/dp/B0019IJXD2 Further, of humidifiers used by chameleon keepers, the vast majority are cool mist and ultrasonic types, and they are used very effectively. Any piece of equipment can be used incorrectly, including screen cages, glass terrariums, UVB lighting, etc., but that does not mean they are dangerous when used properly. The issue with foggers in general is keeping them clean, which is why they tend to not be widely recommended, just like waterfalls. Sorry, but your advise and post was filled with the exact same inaccuracies that you falsely accused Decadancin of. As for your suggestion that I'm in violation of the rules, my posts have given you more leeway then you deserved given your behavior over the last couple days. I will happily remove all your posts baselessly attacking people and any subsequent replies, and ban you if you prefer I take that route over engaging you and giving you a chance to clean up your act? You're 1 warning away from a 3-day time out, so just say the word.

Chris

Before I even bother looking at your link, does this mister "decrease" the temps of the water provided? Or is this just using ultrasonic vibrations to create high-humid air?

 

[Chris Anderson]

Before I even bother looking at your link, does this mister "decrease" the temps of the water provided? Or is this just using ultrasonic vibrations to create high-humid air?

Its an ultrasonic humidifier, which produce visible cool mist by means of ultrasonic sound vibrations. Cool mist humidifiers produces a visible cool mist by means of a high speed rotating disk. Neither are heating or warming the water to increase humidity.

Chris

 

[JohnnyLawrence]

Its an ultrasonic humidifier, which produce visible cool mist by means of ultrasonic sound vibrations. Cool mist humidifiers produces a visible cool mist by means of a high speed rotating disk. Neither are heating or warming the water to increase humidity.

Chris

Chris - Do you know where I can find the specifications from Zoo-Med that says this unit is cooling the air being passed by this unit? Cooling = Decreasing temperature. Because you're trying to negate my comment by saying that air-cooling humidifiers are be commercially sold at pet stores.

 

[broderp]

Can someone please BAN johnnyLawrence or at least review all his posts for a bit before allow them to cone thru? I hate to say this, but he has done nothing in my last two threads but stir controversy and arguments. I'm not getting much useful information sifting thru the battles that have taken place on my threads.

Sorry Johnny, please just post your side/your opinion and respect others opinion even if they appear to you to be "TROLLS" . FYI, I didn't take any of the comments from those you verbally accosted as bad information or Trolls. If I disagree silently and take what works for me (right or wrong) and move on. Its Ok to question and counter. That's what forums are about.

 

[PJK]

Chris - Do you know where I can find the specifications from Zoo-Med that says this unit is cooling the air being passed by this unit? Cooling = Decreasing temperature. Because you're trying to negate my comment by saying that air-cooling humidifiers are be commercially sold at pet stores.

If I can interject here for a second. I think there is a misunderstanding in here somewhere, even though I love a good fight. The idea of the cool mist humidifier isn't that it is inherently cool. The idea is that it is room temperature as compared to a warm humidifier, like the ones Vicks makes and people utilize when they themselves are sick. The ultrasonic (cool mist) humidifiers are only cool by comparison to their warmer counterparts which produce steam. In theory, the mist is whatever temperature the room is. The humidifier itself doesn't cool the air, or cool the mist it produces. If there is an issue with the use of the word cool, you'd have to take it up with humidifier producing companies, as its just an industry term to differentiate them from the humidifiers that create steam. I'm actually not a huge proponent of either, as I think they promote URIs if you don't clean them enough or treat them with antimicrobial solutions, but that's just my opinion.